microsoft toolbar pop up blocker makes connecting difficult...help!

[chinadoll]

When I use the ms internet toolbar(downloaded) and pop ups are allowed I can connect first time ....but if it is activated it takes me ages to get a good connection....question is....by allowning pop ups am I makeing my computer more vulnerable to virus's and other nasties?

[Kerplunk]

You could be more vulnerable to spyware, but it is spyware that generally causes pop-ups. (Although not all the time). Just be careful which websites you browse and never download or click on anything in a pop-up window unless you completely trust the source.  Make sure your virus software and firewall are up to date to protect against virus / attacks.  Also run a spyware removal tool fairly regularly.

[Gandy]

The simple answer is to use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. It has inbuilt pop up blocking and is just a more secure, easier to use, dynamic, customisable etc etc etc browser. www,firefox.com